As the regional ministry for Northern Ontario and the ministry responsible for the provincial mineral and forest industry sectors, the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry strives to make Northern Ontario, the provincial mineral sector and the forestry sector strong, healthy and prosperous.

The Ministry leads and coordinates government programs aimed at growing the Northern Ontario economy, building strong northern communities, creating job opportunities and developing the North's transportation and telecommunication infrastructure. Through a network of offices and strategic program and policy development, the Ministry ensures northerners have access to government economic development programs and services and a voice in government decisions affecting the North.

As the sectoral ministry for the provincial minerals sector, the Ministry supports a strong, sustainable mineral industry by promoting investment and exploration, by providing information to global clients on Ontario’s wealth of mineral resources and through the fair, effective and efficient administration of Ontario’s Mining Act. The Ministry delivers geoscience information for all regions of the province in support of a range of provincial development, planning, environmental, energy, and climate change policy priorities. The Ministry also fosters collaboration and consultation with Aboriginal communities, administers Ontario’s diamond royalty and ensures safe, environmentally sound mineral development and rehabilitation of mining lands.

As the sectoral ministry for the provincial forestry sector, the Ministry provides leadership on revitalization and transformation initiatives and acts as an advocate for business and economic functions within the forest industry. This leadership includes responsibilities for industrial strategies, competitiveness measures and international trade affecting Ontario's forest products industry.